Tuesday 27-06-2023 - 13:37

VP Education Releases Statement On The Use Of Turnitin AI Detection Software 

 

Noah Katz and Sam Hedges, LUSU VP Education for 22/23 and 23/24, release joint statement on the use of Turnitin AI detection software:

 

"Since the beginning of the academic year, we have been collaboratively working with Lancaster University staff on all things academic integrity, mainly focusing on the tidal wave that is generative AI. In May, we published a list of students’ recommendations for the University regarding the use of AI technology by students in learning and assessments. We have also regularly discussed the need for action to mitigate the immediate impact of the use of AI in this summers’ round of assessments and the communication of these decisions. As part of these discussions, we have raised the need to avoid any knee-jerk or ill-founded reactions to the threat that AI may bring to academic integrity. 

 

Despite reassurances from senior management, we are disappointed to see academic departments actively using the Turnitin AI Detection tool. At the time of writing, a third of academic misconduct cases being handled by our Students’ Union Advice Service are related to students’ work flagged through the Turnitin AI Detection software. We are also aware of students who are seeking support from their Academic Tutors, family, and friends. 

 

On the basis of the cases we are handling, we know that Turnitin's claim that the tool is 98% accurate cannot be true. Currently, a significant number of our members are being wrongly flagged for improper use of AI in their assessments by Turnitin. These students, and the staff who support them, are being dragged through the disciplinary process for no good or justifiable reason. 

 

In May, our students said “no work should be submitted which has been completely written by AI”. Where this has occurred, we are confident that our highly-skilled markers are able to identify it. 

 

 

We call on Lancaster University to turn-off the AI Detection tool on Turnitin and cease use of the Turnitin AI Detection reports in academic misconduct cases."

 

 

Signed: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have been effected by this or need support our Advice Team are here to help you with any problems. 

Get in touch: lusuadvice@lancaster.ac.uk